MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Every novel on Man Booker Prize shortlist to be available free for online readers

melmurray · 10-19-2007, 05:37 AM

Bad news I'm afraid. According to The Book Standard site

Booker shortlist 'will not be free'
18.10.07

The British Council has moved to clarify its position on electronic editions of Man Booker Prize shortlisted novels following a report in the Times this morning. The body said that while it is in negotiations with publishers to create an online collection of literature, this would be for sale rather than free.

A spokesperson for the British Council said: "It is true that the British Council is in negotiations with leading publishers to create an online collection of contemporary British literature including the Man Booker Prize winners in the form of e-books, which can be purchased."

They acknowledged that central to this "innovative approach" would be making sure that authors are remunerated for their work. A pilot scheme is planned for 2008 aimed at audiences in India, China and Africa.

The Times reported that organisers of the prize were currently "deep in negotiations" with publishers over digitising the books.

I thought it was unlikely that any writer could afford to pass up the opportunity to make
a decent amount of money from royalties for once in their lives. To say nothing of the publishers.

10-19-2007, 05:37 AM	#5
melmurray Enthusiast Posts: 39 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2007	Bad news I'm afraid. According to The Book Standard site Booker shortlist 'will not be free' 18.10.07 The British Council has moved to clarify its position on electronic editions of Man Booker Prize shortlisted novels following a report in the Times this morning. The body said that while it is in negotiations with publishers to create an online collection of literature, this would be for sale rather than free. A spokesperson for the British Council said: "It is true that the British Council is in negotiations with leading publishers to create an online collection of contemporary British literature including the Man Booker Prize winners in the form of e-books, which can be purchased." They acknowledged that central to this "innovative approach" would be making sure that authors are remunerated for their work. A pilot scheme is planned for 2008 aimed at audiences in India, China and Africa. The Times reported that organisers of the prize were currently "deep in negotiations" with publishers over digitising the books. I thought it was unlikely that any writer could afford to pass up the opportunity to make a decent amount of money from royalties for once in their lives. To say nothing of the publishers. Last edited by melmurray; 10-19-2007 at 05:37 AM. Reason: spelling mistake